Reflections of 2011

After a tough 2010, 2011 was more than satisfying. While there is always scope to improve, I was able to achieve most of my goals - both on personal and professional fronts. As I completed my goals and the accompanying score card for 2012 today, I just thought of remembering a few things that gave immense satisfaction in 2011:

• BridgeCo, the India development center that I started and which I subsequently helped turn into the only engineering center got acquired. Some of the people that I have groomed and mentored continue to work there and I hear they are doing very well. For a teacher, parent, guru, mentor, nothing gives more satisfaction than the fact that the folks they helped are standing on their own. It is also a biggest gift for any leader. Well done folks!
• My reading is back on track, almost about a book per week on varied subjects. #books that I read is an indication of how am I doing in several other fronts.
• Started trekking! Formed a club of sorts with a set of all weather friends and we trekked in 3 different seasons and 3 different terrains. The best one was the one we did in Monsoon.
• Had fun with the family and we took three vacations in 2011, including a week long road trip covering distant places like Kanyakumari and Rameshwaram. More adventurous trips planned in 2012.
• Even my younger son started playing cricket and has been selected to represent the school, along with his elder brother. Made time to watch some of the matches they played and it was a different experience!
• I assumed responsibility as a Director on the board of SoL South Foundation (a not-for-profit society) and took additional responsibility as its Treasurer. Its an unique experience leading a bunch of volunteers. It also gives governance experience which is unmatched.
• Jumped to twitter bandwagon in April and have shared about 500 tweets mostly on technology. It has helped me to stay on top of things that are going on in the tech world and to expand the network.
• Was invited by IBM as a mentor for their Bangalore leg of Smartcamp and since then have been associated with the Smartcamps held around the world. Its a great experience to interact and share knowledge with young entrepreneurs and at the same time learn from industry veterans and VCs.
• At work, started with connectivity toolkits (WLAN, GPS, BT, Zigbee, etc.,) and later in the year was asked to lead all the toolkit development which includes cellular toolkits also (LTE, WCDMA, CDMA2k/EVDO etc.,). Learnt quite a lot on the job. It has been a special year for us as we are poised to cross $1B in revenues for the first time in our history. We are also named as Top-25 global companies to work for.

A thoroughly satisfying year. With recession looming large, I expect another year full of challenges and excitement.

So many people help you along the way. I want to thank the almighty and each one of my loved ones, friends,  and my mentors who continue to love me and help me grow - life would have been meaningless without you all.

Reading list for Jan-2012

The Myth of the Garage: And Other Minor Surprises

This a collection of the best columns written by celebrated authors - the Heath brothers for the Fast Company magazine. In Myth, the Heath brothers tackle some of the most (and least) important issues in the modern business world:
• Why you should never buy another mutual fund (“The Horror of Mutual Funds”)
• Why your gut may be more ethical than your brain (“In Defense of Feelings”)
• How to communicate with numbers in a way that changes decisions (“The Gripping Statistic”)
• Why the “Next Big Thing” often isn’t (“The Future Fails Again”)
• Why you may someday pay $300 for a pair of socks (“The Inevitability of $300 Socks”)

... and some more. Promises to be a very entertaining and insightful read. You can get your free copy (iTunes/Kindle/Nook/PDF) here.


Tom Peters Business School in a Box
The Tom Peters Business School in a Box helps you develop management expertise and try out business strategies without the risks of real-world failure. In this innovative simulation, you and a group of friends/colleagues gather at home or at work. You each play the role of a key executive and together face a major business challenge. You think... argue... negotiate... make critical decisions, then analyze the results and evaluate your performance. Executives, managers, front-line workers, entrepreneurs and students who have used this simulation all agree: they learn--about business and about themselves--as they never have before


Infinite Possibilities: The Art of Living your Dreams
I have become a big fan of Mike Dooley after reading his Notes from the Universe. Mike Dooley argues manifesting the magnificence of our dreams isn’t about hard work, but rather about belief and expectation. These principles transcend belief, realizing the truth about our human nature.




Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Imagination to Create What You Want in Your Life
Now considered a classic, Creative Visualization teaches readers how to use their imaginations to manifest their deepest desires. In a straight-talking narrative, Shakti Gawain uses the first part to cover the basics, with chapters such as "How to Visualize," "Affirmations," and "Creative Visualization Only Works for the Good." Once she shows readers how visualization actually works, Gawain moves on to loftier discussions, such as "Contacting Your Higher Self," "Meeting Your Guide," "Setting Goals," and "Treasure Maps."

Reading list for Dec-2011

Two weeks ago I just counted #books in my personal library. I have a proud collection of 630 real/physical books and about 170 kindle books. I also noted that I haven't read about 70 of physical books and over 100 kindle books. Thats about 3 years of stuff, even if I read one book per month. That didn't ofcourse stop me from buying 7 books in the annual Strand book festival. Reading book has become an addiction, well almost. Many people ask me why do you read so many books? My answer is simple - its better than watching TV and killing time. Some of these also seem to be thinking that this guy has not grown much, though he seem to be reading so many books, but are afraid to tell so directly. Anyways, I ignore them as their opinion is immaterial.

Tough month at work. Have only two books planned this month:


Confession of a Venture Capitalist: Inside the high-stakes world of start-up financing
I'm a start-up guy at heart. Having seen the VC industry closely as a part of my job, I'm always intrigued by the mystery and charm of this industry. I'd be reading many books about VC funding and chose this one as the first.

The author, a VC herself, reveals an insider view of the VC industry. The chapters are short and looks like an easy read (though the review comments are bad).

Outwitting the Devil: The Secret to Freedom and Success
I'm a big fan of Napoleon Hill and reckon his Think and Grow Rich is one of the must read for anyone who can read. I was surprised to know that this particular book of his was unpublished as Hill wanted it to be done only after his death. So, I jumped and grabbed a copy when the book was released in India.

Using his legendary ability to get to the root of human potential, Napoleon Hill digs deep to identify the greatest obstacles we face in reaching personal goals: fear, procrastination, anger, and jealousy, as tools of the Devil. These hidden methods of control can lead us to ruin, and Hill reveals the seven principles of good that will allow us to triumph over them and succeed.